East Gambier and West Gambier battled it out in round three match in the Western Border Football League with the Roos finishing with a comfortable win.
West Gambier stamped its authority on the game right from the start, displaying superior ball movement to the developing East Gambier side.
Led by Lawrence Bradley-Brown, Kyle Giddings and Andrew Stone, West Gambier dominated the first quarter, establishing a substantial lead.
The Roos’ accurate kicking and ball movement helped them to create scoring opportunities and capitalise on them effectively.
East Gambier struggled to match its opponents’ intensity, finding it challenging to break through West Gambier’s strong defensive line.
The quarter concluded with West Gambier in full control, leading by 32 points, with a score of 38 to 6.
East Gambier showed signs of a fightback in the second quarter, as the Bulldogs were determined to narrow the deficit, they tightened their defence and started to find their rhythm.
However, West Gambier continued to apply pressure, utilising accurate kicking and a dominant midfield to maintain the advantage.
At half time, West Gambier remained in the driver’s seat, leading by 49 points, with a score of 70 to 21.
As the third quarter commenced, West Gambier showed no signs of easing the pressure, with relentless attack and exceptional defence kept East Gambier at bay.
Jesse Pfitzner and Michael Minuzzo showcased their goal-scoring abilities, further extending West Gambier’s lead.
The Doggies fought valiantly, with Reece Lillecrapp and Nicholas Lock leading the charge, but they struggled to match West Gambier’s scoring prowess.
The quarter ended with West Gambier firmly in control, leading by 64 points, with a score of 104 to 40.
West Gambier was determined to finish the game strongly in the final quarter.
The Roos dominant display continued, East Gambier however showcased its fighting spirit, with some consolation goals, but it was not enough to overcome West Gambier’s commanding lead.
The match concluded with West Gambier emerging as convincing winners, with a final score of 135 to 59.
West Gambier displayed plenty of class and skill throughout the game, with Bradley-Brown, Giddings and Stone leading the way.
East Gambier gave its best against much better opposition with Reece Lillecrapp, Nicholas Lock and Jesse Plunkett putting in commendable performances to be named in the best players, but they were outplayed by a dominant West Gambier side.
West Gambier’s dominant performance sends a strong message to its rivals, while East Gambier continues its winless streak as it’s now over a year since East Gambier last belted out the team song.
CASTERTON V SOUTH
Casterton Sandford claimed its second win on the trot against South Gambier in round three of Western Border Football League action.
The trip to the Cattery proved to be a tough task for the young South Gambier side as it continues to look for the first win of the season.
From the opening bounce, it was clear the Cats meant business as they dominated the first quarter, blasting six straight goals past the South Gambier defence.
It was a good recovery from the Casterton Sandford forward line after last week against East Gambier saw them kick five behinds and no goals.
In contrast, South Gambier struggled to find its rhythm in the first quarter, especially in front of goals.
South Gambier had only one less scoring shot than Casterton Sandford, however the Demons’ failure to capitalise on their chances meant they went into quarter time 26 points down, kicking one goal and four behinds.
While South’s midfield players gave it their all to keep them in the game their forward line let them down.
The quarter ended with Casterton Sandford feeling comfortable with a score of 36 to South Gambier’s 10.
The second quarter was a tough fight between the two sides, this time Casterton Sandford was the inaccurate side kicking three goals and five points.
The Demons kept themselves in with a sniff thanks to some slightly more accurate kicking in the second term kicking 2.3.
Casterton Sandford’s lead remained significant, as the Cats extended it to 34 points by half time, with a score of 59 to 25.
South Gambier required a big third quarter if the Demons were to get the win against Casterton Sandford.
As the third quarter got under way, the Cats maintained their intensity and continued to push ahead of South Gambier.
Again Casterton Sandford kicked inaccurately, keeping South Gambier’s hopes alive.
South Gambier’s forwards were taking their chances kicking three goals straight, while Casterton Sandford’s forwards failed to capitalise on the work of their midfield kicking 1.6 for the quarter.
Despite the efforts of their forwards, the Demons still trailed by 28 points heading into the final quarter, with a score of 71 to 43.
The final quarter saw both teams giving their all in an attempt to swing the game in their favour.
The Cats showcased their superior fitness and skill, capitalising on their opportunities and maintaining control.
South Gambier fought valiantly until the final siren, but fell 35 points short as the Demons’ efforts were not enough to overcome Casterton Sandford’s dominance.
The match concluded with Casterton Sandford emerging victorious, with a final score of 84 to 49.
It was a commanding performance by the Cats, who showcased their more mature and developed side, with Hamish McCrae, Diarmid Cleary and Adam McKinnon playing pivotal roles in their team’s success.
South Gambier fought bravely but was outclassed on the day.
Taylor Saffin, Nelson Forbes and Riley Sturges can hold their heads high for their determined efforts.
With this win Casterton Sandford will now be confident of playing September footy, South Gambier will hope it can turn its season around and find its first win soon.
Millicent vs North
In an electrifying match held at Vansittart Park, North Gambier and Millicent clashed in a thrilling twilight encounter in the Western Border Football League.
The match showcased the intensity and skill of both teams, with Millicent emerging as convincing winners as the Saints continue to prove themselves as a dominant side in the competition.
Millicent started the game on the front foot, displaying plenty of attacking power right from the opening bounce.
Led by Clinton Gallio, Sam Willis and Caleb Williams, Millicent dominated the first quarter.
The Saints’ accurate ball movement and clinical finishing allowed them to establish a commanding lead early in the game.
North Gambier struggled to match the intensity of its opponents, finding it difficult to penetrate Millicent’s strong defence.
Inaccurate kicking did not help the Tigers as they kicked four points in the first quarter.
The quarter ended with Millicent in control, leading by 18 points with a score of 22 to 4.
North Gambier attempted to mount a comeback in the second quarter, determined to narrow the deficit, and put up a stronger fight but Millicent kept pushing ahead.
Millicent’s defence held firm, preventing North Gambier from gaining any significant ground.
At half time, Millicent maintained a comfortable 28 point lead, with a score of 59 to 31.
The game still hung in the balance at half time with North Gambier requiring a big quarter to give the Tigers a chance.
As the third quarter kicked off, the Saints continued to assert their dominance.
Millicent showcased plenty of skill, finding the goals with ease and keeping North Gambier at bay, adding to the lead with the Tigers failing to chip away at the deficit.
Some more inaccurate kicking hurt North Gambier as kicking 1.5 goals was not good enough to get the Tigers back in the game.
Millicent kicked 4.3 goals to extend its lead as the Saints were more clinical in their finishing.
The quarter concluded with Millicent in a commanding position, leading by 44 points, with a score of 86 to 42.
Millicent was determined to finish the game strongly in the fourth quarter.
The Saints’ team cohesion and accurate kicking allowed them to maintain their stranglehold over the match.
Millicent continued to find ways to increase the gap between the two teams and put the Saints in a comfortable position.
Despite their best efforts, the Tigers could not mount a comeback, and the match concluded with Millicent emerging as convincing 50 point winners, with a final score of 100 to 50.
Millicent showcased depth and skill throughout the game with Gallio, Willis, Hamish Nitschke, Williams, Finn Grimes and Jacob Carger all named in the best.
Their precise disposal, coupled with their ability to convert scoring opportunities, proved too much for North Gambier to handle.
North Gambier fought hard with Bradley Adams, Jake Schutz and Sam Egan putting in commendable performances, but they were ultimately outplayed by a dominant Millicent side.
The match would have knocked North’s confidence in its ability to challenge for a flag this season.
Both teams can take away valuable lessons from this encounter as they continue their campaign in the league.
Millicent’s clinical performance serves as a reminder of its strong chance of a three-peat aspiration, while North Gambier will look to regroup and bounce back stronger in future matches and improve come next time the two sides meet.
